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Redskins Challenge: Josh Norman, it’s time to “Put up your Dukes”

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks can't make the catch against cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Wide receiver Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks can't make the catch against cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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It’s been a tough year for the Josh Norman and the Redskins defense. On Sunday, they’ll face the Los Angeles Chargers and Phillip Rivers, who leads one of the more prolific aerial assaults in the entire NFL.

Josh Norman will be the first to tell you that it’s been a tough year for the Redskins defense. Things won’t get any easier against as they prepare for the Chargers on Sunday. Los Angeles is 6-6 after opening the season with four straight losses. The Chargers boast the second-best passing offense in the NFL, so it’s essential that Norman has his best game of the season.

Chargers wideout Keenan Allen is having a career year. With four games remaining, he’s already posted 77 catches, 1,032 yards, and five touchdowns. Allen is fifth in the NFL in both catches and receiving yards. Against the Cleveland Browns, per Tanya Ray Fox of Chargers Wire, Allen made NFL history by becoming the first player to record 10 catches, at least 100 yards, and a touchdown in three straight games. Allen is unquestionably Rivers’ No. 1 option. He’s able to lineup in the slot or on the outside.

In contrast, injuries hampered Norman early in the year. He sustained broken ribs against the Chiefs in week four and missed games against the Eagles and 49ers. In 10 games, Norman has 45 tackles to go along with six passes defended and two forced fumbles. However, Norman has failed to register an interception this season. With Allen rewriting the record books, the Redskins should allow their best defensive back to shadow Keenan Allen. The matchup between the aforementioned Norman and Allen could potentially dictate the outcome of today’s game.

After some rough performances early in the season, most notably against the Minnesota Vikings, this could be a bounce back game for Norman. Phillip Rivers has thrown seven interceptions on the season. Although he has zero within the past three games, Rivers is susceptible to turnovers. It’ll be up to Josh Norman and the Redskins to bring back the turnover bug later today.

Next: 3 keys to victory for the Redskins in Week 14 of 2017

The Redskins can ill-afford to allow Allen to have his way with Bashaud Breeland and Kendall Fuller. What the Redskins need is for Josh Norman to show the world why he’s worth $15 million per season. So Josh Norman, I challenge you to “Put up your Dukes” and shut down Keenan Allen and the Los Angeles Chargers.

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